Medicine

Modern medicine generally refers to clinical practice: the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease by a physician. That physician may be an allopathic physician (M.D.) or an osteopathic physician (D.O.).

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Medicine at a Glance

Physicians work in solo or group practices examining patients and obtaining medical histories; ordering, performing and interpreting diagnostic tests; and prescribing and administering treatment for patients suffering from injury or disease. They also counsel patients about illness,  injuries, health conditions and preventive healthcare (diet/fitness, smoking cessation, etc.). In hospitals, they provide emergency care, perform surgery and care for patients with injuries or life-threatening illnesses like cancer or serious conditions like asthma. In laboratories across the country, physician researchers look for the cause of illnesses and for new and better ways to treat all kinds of diseases and injuries. They run medical centers and teach future generations of physicians and other health care practitioners. 

Core 34 Pre-Admission Coursework:  Check Sheet (PDF), Accessible Check Sheet (PDF)

Core Pre-Admission Coursework:  Check Sheet (PDF), Accessible Check Sheet (PDF)

References: KU requires 3-5 letters of reference from professionals and/or instructors who know you well. You should seek out those who can speak to your work or study ethic, your professionalism, and your strengths. Other programs have similar requirements.   

Shadowing Experience or Introductory Course: Shadowing doctors is required and should include at least one general practitioner (family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, etc.) and any specialties you're considering.  50 hours total is a good goal.  Shadowing doctors helps you to understand "the daily life of a physician, the challenges of the field from a local, state, and national level, and the different fields of medicine. 

Healthcare Experience: Required and should include patient contact. Applicants must possess health care experience, either through job shadowing, volunteer work or employment. A specific number of hours is not required, but these experiences should lead you to an understanding of how to work with patients and serve them as a physician. 

Community Service/Leadership Experience: Highly recommended. Medical schools want to know that you have a commitment to service and community involvement.   

Research Experience: While not required, research experience is recommended if you're applying to schools that have an emphasis on research, or if you plan to pursue a career in research after medical school.  If you have an interest in it, it can add another dimension to your application as well.  

Pre-Admission Standardized Tests: Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)  

Student Organizations: American Medical Women's Association, Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students, Phi Delta Epsilon, International Pre-Health Sciences Organization, Delta Epsilon Mu (co-ed healthcare fraternity), University of Kansas Pre-Medical Society, University of Kansas Women in Medicine, Future Leaders in Healthcare  

Application Deadline: August 1 for Early Decision Program; October 15 for Regular Decision, although September 1 is strongly encouraged 

Resume Required: No 

Centralized App Service: American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS for MD programs like KU) or American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS for DO programs) 

Early Decision Option: Yes 

Interview Required: Yes 

Rolling Admissions: Yes